Payton
PAY-tuhn
Payton is a variant spelling of Peyton, from an English surname derived from a place name. The Old English elements are likely Pœga (a personal name) and tūn (“settlement” or “estate”).
The name moved from surname to given name in the 20th century. NFL quarterback Walter Payton (1954 - 1999) brought the surname into national consciousness, spurring first-name use.
Payton ranked No. 381 in 2024 with 820 births. It peaked at No. 79 in 2010 with 3,589 births for girls, riding the unisex surname-name wave.
What the name Payton means
The Peyton spelling is more common for girls overall, but Payton maintains its own following. Together, both spellings represent strong combined usage.
Two syllables - PAY-ton - are punchy and modern. The name has an athletic, energetic quality that appeals to contemporary parents.
Parents who choose Payton often like its unisex appeal and sporty connotations. It pairs well with both classic and modern middle names.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Payton
Payton - similar names
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